Implementation of School-Based Wellness Program for Adolescents in Rural East Tennessee

BACKGROUND:

One in five children and adolescents are obese in the United States. Society has influenced adolescents' ability to make healthy decisions (CDC, 2021). Adolescents living in rural areas are 55% more likely to have comorbidities related to obesity compared to children in urban areas (Berlin et al., 2013).

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Claiborne County is ranked among the least healthy counties in Tennessee (0-25% out of 100%). The county’s newspaper shows 10% of its residents have become more obese in the last ten years. Tennessee public schools collected data showing of 22.7% of students were obese, and 17% were overweight.

METHODS:

The project followed the guidelines of the JHNEBP, which is a three-phase approach known as the PET process. The questionnaire tool was selected using the PDSA cycles. The participants met every Tuesday for six weeks and discussed a new concept of physical activity and nutrition.

INTERVENTIONS:

The project took place at an elementary school in Tennessee. Males and females, ages twelve to thirteen participated. Six lessons discussed ways to promote an active lifestyle and appropriate nutrition. Questionnaires were given to assess physical activity and nutrition each week.

RESULTS:

Data was compared from each category from the first week to the sixth week. Physical activity increased; 3-4 times/week increased from 25% to 37.5%, and 5-6/week from 12.5% to 18.75%. Water drinking went from 88% to 100% by week six. Milk drinking increased from 63% to 69%. Sugar drinks decreased from 94% to 56% by week six. Energy drinks decreased from 75% to 38%. Eating, fruits, and vegetables increased from 87% to 100%. Fats decreased from 87% to 73%.

CONCLUSIONS:

School-based wellness programs instruct lifelong commitment to healthy lifestyles. By implementing this program into school systems, we can predict a decrease in obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Expansion of the program is to create a semester-long course for adolescents.